The problems with the Athletics proposed stadium compared to T-Mobile Arena
One thing Bill Foley never had a problem with that John Fisher has currently is funding for his $375 million stadium. The Vegas Golden Knights owner kept his promise to build a sleek hockey arena for Las Vegas residents, using his private funds to construct the stadium. He also had poignant commentary on why he didn't bother with public funds.
"We can better spend that money on firefighters, teachers, and policeman."Bill Foley to CNBC
Meanwhile, Fisher and the Oakland Athletics are trying to fund their desert opera house through various means. First, $850 million in equity will be put toward the project. Then, there's the $350 million in public funds (despite the team looking for lenders). There are also other means such as debt financing, which will also be a costly venture.
Sure, T-Mobile Arena might be less costly in the pocketbook than the proposed opera house. However, Foley had a plan (and financial partners in MGM Resorts International and Anschutz Entertainment Group) for his arena. Fisher and the Athletics should probably call that a "concept of a plan" since it's what it sounds like for numerous Las Vegas citizens. It's no wonder they don't believe the stadium won't happen. It's also why the Athletics will strike out while the Golden Knights still hit home runs in Las Vegas.